First international cricket series in Mackay to grow regional participation

The first international cricket series in Mackay will offer fans a different experience to matches played in big stadiums, with fans expected to be ‘close to the action’.

The grass is cut, the pitch has been rolled and the players have shaken out the rust in the nets as the Great Barrier Reef Arena prepares for a historic international cricket series.

While the surface of Harrup Park’s main oval has been graced with the presence of WBBL teams, it has never hosted an international series before.

Australian captain Meg Lanning said she was excited to open the Australian summer of cricket in Mackay against India.

“We really love reaching new communities and finding new fans around the country,” she said.

Mithali Raj (left) and Meg Lanning before the three-match ODI series to be played in Mackay at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, September 20, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

“We haven’t played up here before so it’s really exciting and hopefully the local community get behind us, it’s going to be a great contest throughout the three games.

“We always look forward to coming out to new areas to play, being able to bring games like this to regional areas helps that cause.”

Meg Lanning of Australia poses at Norths Cricket Ground on September 15, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. Picture: Jono Searle

Local talent Jess Jonassen will not take part in the series after battling stress fractures throughout the Australian winter.

Lanning said Jonassen had been useful in learning how the conditions and the surface would be during a game.

“We’ve tried to speak to those players who have played up here before, all the reports have been really good about the wicket at the outfield especially,” she said.

“Here it feels like the crowd is going to be quite close to the action, which just adds to the atmosphere, we like connecting with all our fans and really showing our appreciation for their support.”

Australia will play India in a best-of-three series, with matches on September 21, September 24 and September 26.

Originally published as First international cricket series in Mackay to grow regional participation